Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce reports that a concept paper on "trusted accounts," which would take the idea of a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) to the next level, was circulated at the January 2005 Trade Support Network (TSN) meeting. Under this new concept, a company would not only exercise the very best supply-chain security, but would also have the highest standards for compliance with trade laws and regulations. In return, CBP would offer 'trusted accounts" the greatest benefits. (JoC, dated 02/28/05, www.joc.com.)
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Timely, relevant coverage of court proceedings and agency rulings involving tariffs, classification, valuation, origin and antidumping and countervailing duties. Each day, Trade Law Daily subscribers receive a daily headline email, in-depth PDF edition and access to all relevant documents via our trade law source document library and website.
1. Concept Paper on "Trusted Accounts" Circulated at TSN Meeting
2. China To Increase Tariffs on Imported Auto Parts
The Wall Street Journal reports that starting in April China will increase tariffs on certain auto component kits used in vehicle assembly. According to the article, these component kits will be charged the same higher tariff rates that currently apply to complete vehicles. (WSJ, 03/04/05, www.wsj.com)
3. Guatemala Approves DR-CAFTA
According to Shipper's Newswire, Guatemala has approved legislation to implement the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). The way is now clear for Congress to consider approval of the DR-CAFTA as soon as this summer. (SNW dated 03/11/05, http://www.americanshipper.com)
4. CPSC & EC Sign Cooperative Safety Agreement for Consumer Products
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a press release announcing that on February 23, 2005 it signed a cooperative safety agreement with the European Commission (EC). The goal of the agreement is to heighten awareness of the global aspect of consumer product health and safety issues and to foster the exchange of information that will help reduce the incidence of death and injuries associated with consumer products. (CPSC Press Release 05-120, dated 02/23/05, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05120.html)
5. CPSC Announces New Policy on Lead in Children's Metal Jewelry
The CPSC has issued a notice announcing a new enforcement policy to reduce the potential for health risks from lead in children's metal jewelry. The new policy gives manufacturers, importers, and retailers clear guidance on steps they should take to minimize the risk for children. In addition, this policy specifies the laboratory test procedures it will use to analyze lead content. (CPSC Press Release 05-097, dated 02/03/05, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05097.html)
6. BIS Public Meeting on Exporting Humanitarian Items to Sudan under a License Exception
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that it will hold a public meeting on March 28, 2005 in Washington, DC for organizations interested in exporting "tools of trade" items for humanitarian work in Sudan under a License Exception, as provided in BIS' February 18, 2005 final rule. (See ITT's Online Archives or 02/24/05 news, 05022440, for BP summary of BIS' final rule.) (D/N 050302054-5054-01, FR Pub 03/10/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-4737.pdf)